Alberta opened its regulated commercial iGaming market on July 13, giving residents access to 22 approved online gambling websites from the first day of the new framework. The launch established Alberta as Canada’s second province with a competitive, multi-operator online market, following Ontario’s introduction of its system in April 2022.
The government-owned Play Alberta platform remains available, while private operators can now offer regulated online casino games and sports betting under provincial oversight. Alberta iGaming Corporation confirmed the day-one total, which included separate sportsbook and casino products operated under the same brands. The opening group featured bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars, along with Betty, BetVictor, DAZN Bet, BetRivers and several other platforms.
The launch represented the largest North American online gambling opening by number of brands available on the first day. More than 50 online casino and sportsbook sites had already received approval to operate in Alberta. Regulators had also approved almost 60 gaming systems providers and 14 iGaming platform providers before the market opened.
Province Introduces Competitive Model With Player Controls
Officials marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Edmonton’s Royal Glenora Club. Government representatives attended alongside industry executives and other stakeholders involved in the market’s development.
“Alberta is taking an important step forward with the launch of a regulated iGaming market,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, who introduced the iGaming Alberta Act (Bill 48) in the spring of 2025. “Our focus has been clear from the start: to protect Albertans, especially young people, and ensure that those who choose online gaming can do so in a responsible environment.”
Alberta iGaming Corporation will conduct and manage the commercial market, while Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis will regulate participating businesses. Approved operators must verify player ages and provide financial limits, time controls, gaming activity statements and self-exclusion tools. The province-wide self-exclusion system covers regulated online platforms and land-based casinos, including racing entertainment centres.
Operators must respond when their systems identify signs of high-risk gambling behaviour. Provincial rules also prohibit advertising and marketing that targets minors or vulnerable people.
Officials have linked the new structure to the province’s efforts to move existing online play toward licensed sites. Alberta iGaming Corporation estimated that approximately 70% of the province’s online gambling activity had previously taken place through unregulated offshore platforms, where player protection standards varied.
“Alberta has built a thoughtful and collaborative iGaming framework that reflects the highest standards of player protection and responsible gaming,” said Alberta iGaming Corporation CEO Dan Keene. “Alberta’s market sets clear expectations for operators and creates a responsible, competitive environment for the industry. The Alberta iGaming Corporation is well prepared to conduct and manage the regulated market on behalf of the province.”
Revenue Rules and Supplier Activity Take Effect
Under the framework, approved online gambling sites will contribute 20% of net revenue to Alberta’s General Revenue Fund, which supports provincial programs and public services. The system also directs 3% of total gross gaming revenue to designated purposes. First Nations will receive 2%, while 1% will support social responsibility initiatives, including gambling addiction research and mental health treatment programs.
Several operators introduced more than one product at launch. Caesars opened Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Caesars Palace Online Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino. PENN Entertainment launched theScore Bet, theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino. DraftKings entered with its main sportsbook and casino offering as well as Golden Nugget Online Casino.
A range of gaming suppliers also entered the expanded commercial market through operator partnerships. IGT PlayDigital made more than 130 games available, while Aristocrat Interactive initially released about 40 titles. Evolution extended content that had already been available through Play Alberta to newly licensed commercial operators. Pragmatic Play, Light & Wonder, Inspired Entertainment and other registered suppliers also confirmed Alberta launches or approvals.
The opening also affected products that could not operate under the new structure. DraftKings stopped offering daily fantasy sports in Alberta because the current rules do not permit the player pooling needed across provinces or countries.
Additional Brands Prepare as Analysts Project Growth
The first-day lineup covered 22 websites, although provincial registration records showed another 28 approved brands had yet to launch as of July 13. The pending group included platforms connected to Bally’s, Super Group, Entain, SkillOnNet and Apollo Entertainment. Betano, 888, PointsBet, BET99 and several Alberta-linked brands also appeared among the approved products awaiting entry.
The additional approvals indicate that residents could receive access to a substantially larger selection after opening day. Play Alberta will continue operating beside the commercial sites as the market develops.
H2 Gambling Capital projected that Alberta could generate C$1.7 billion in gross gaming revenue during its second year under regulation. Its forecast placed cumulative revenue at nearly C$2.8 billion in fewer than two calendar years.
The analysis also projected a significant shift toward licensed platforms. Regulated sites currently account for about 32% of online gambling activity, according to the estimate, and that share could rise to 87% in the coming years. Ontario recorded more than 90% of online gamblers using regulated sites during its latest reporting period.
Ontario is expected to remain Canada’s largest regulated online gambling market. Alberta’s potential remains substantial on a per-capita basis, while the number of approved platforms awaiting launch gives the province room for further expansion after its 22-site opening.
Source:
Alberta iGaming launch, canadiangamingbusiness.com, July 13, 2026
